The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member said the diagnosis came after he began having difficulty remembering his songs and the names of people he has worked with.

His critically acclaimed last album, The Bravest Man in the Universe, was produced by Damon Albarn, whom Womack has also worked with on the last two Gorillaz albums.

“It’s not bad yet but will get worse,” Womack told The Sun. “How can I not remember songs I wrote? It’s frustrating ... The most embarrassing thing is I’ll be ready to announce Damon [Albarn] and can’t remember his last name.”

Womack introduced Albarn as “Damon Osbourne” at the Q Awards in October.

Alzheimer’s is the latest in a string of health problem faced by the 68-year-old, who last March was hospitalised with pneumonia.